Some Conservatives are probably "closet racists" just like some Ukip members, a senior Tory MP said as he called for a pact between the parties.

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Mr Fabricant, a Conservative Party vice chairman, risked infuriating David Cameron by urging him to consider similarities between the two right-leaning parties, describing them as "warring brothers".

The Prime Minister has upset Ukip by implying some of its members are "closet racists" and Downing Street said there is "absolutely no chance" of a deal with the eurosceptic party.

However, Mr Fabricant, a former Government whip, said there are likely to be closet racists in every party, including the Conservatives. He urged the Prime Minister to think about teaming up with Ukip to gain the Tories more than 20 extra seats.

"The truth is some Ukip members are [closet racists]. I'm going to be very controversial now and say some Conservative members might well be - and some Labour members," he told the BBC's Daily Politics.

Mr Fabricant's idea for a pact appears unlikely as Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, has also ruled it out. Mr Farage once suggested he would not field candidates in core Tory areas if there will be a referendum on Britain's memberships of the EU.